SPRING 2026 THERAPY GROUPS
Facilitators: Frances Waple, LCSW-C and Bethan McGarry, LCSW-C
This group will meet in person at Mental Health Services on the Homewood campus. Additional details will be provided during the brief group screening appointment – contact MHS at 410-516-3311 with interest or for more information.
Returning from leave can be overwhelming—this supportive therapy group helps you recognize the patterns that led to burnout or crisis, and learn to catch them earlier next time. You’ll be in a space that normalizes the challenges of coming back and offers tools to navigate the transition without judgment. There’s no pressure to share your story or explain your absence—just a chance to reconnect, reflect, and rebuild at your own pace. This group is a welcoming starting point for anyone looking for support in their journey at JHU.
Facilitators: Shemika Brooks-Woods, Psy.D., CGP, AGPA-F; Shasta Parul Kaushik, MA; Muhammad Waqas, MS; Adora Boakye-Ansah, MA; Paul El-Meouchy, MA
Dates, times and location information will be discussed during the brief group screening appointment. Call 410-516-3311 for more information.
With multiple sections (virtual and in-person on the Homewood campus) designated for undergrads, graduate students, and learners, these general therapy groups provide a space for participants to discuss and explore interpersonal concerns and challenges, while developing a better Understanding of Self and Others (USO). Themes might include but are not limited to: observing and processing ways of managing conflict; developing more satisfying romantic, social, professional and familial relationships; difficult family and social histories; coping with academic demands; and life transitions. Interested students and learners will complete a brief screening appointment with facilitators prior to enrollment in the group.
Facilitators: Jennifer West, LGPC and Nila Mechali Berger, E-RYT
Thursdays, 9:00-10:30 a.m. in-person at the Ralph O’Connor Center for Recreation and Well-Being on the Homewood Campus
Yoga as Healing is a six-week mind/body group for survivors of any type of trauma, self-defined. This group offers survivors a safe space to gain greater awareness around strength, stability, assertiveness, and mindfulness. Sessions will focus on different themes, various restorative and therapeutic postures, explore positive affirmations, and will be coupled with guided activities including readings, journaling, and creative exercises. No prior yoga experience necessary and students of all gender identities are welcome.
Facilitators: Kelli Chen, OTR/L and Leeanne Tobler, OTR/L
Tuesdays OR Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
This group will meet in person at the AON Cottage on the Homewood campus. A brief screening is required; you will be contacted by the group facilitators to schedule a brief meeting to discuss the goals and commitment to participation of the group.
This Occupational Therapy group is designed for students and learners seeking support in enhancing executive functioning, functional participation, life skills, and adaptive coping strategies. The group focuses on addressing individual concerns and functional needs related to managing academic, personal, and social responsibilities.
Through collaborative and interactive sessions, participants will learn and practice skills such as:
- Organizing and managing tasks effectively
- Building time management and prioritization strategies
- Strengthening decision-making and problem-solving abilities
- Developing functional coping strategies for managing stress and transitions
- Improving participation in daily routines and academic activities
The group offers a safe and supportive environment to explore challenges, share experiences, and build practical tools to foster resilience, independence, and success in your university and professional life.
Facilitators: Matthew R. Benic, LCPC, LPC, NCC and Paul El-Meouchy, MA
Thursdays, 3:00-4:30 p.m. in-person in the MHS group room located on the 2nd Floor of the Homewood Apartments, 3003 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
This is a combined support and process group for any JHU graduate or undergraduate student who identifies as male and is looking to talk with other men about their mental health and well-being and get some support. Men don’t often get to talk about their thoughts, feelings, or mental health, so this group is designed to provide a safe space for men to talk to other men about the tough stuff we all go through. Topics can include mental health, manliness/masculinity, relationship issues, identity concerns, toxic masculinity, machismo, negative thoughts or emotions, difficulty connecting with other men, trauma or negative experiences, and more! This group will meet in-person and weekly for the Spring 2026 semester with the option to continue into the Summer or Fall 2026 semesters depending upon interest. Come be a part of JHU’s 1st Men’s Group today!
All interested men will need to attend a virtual or in-person 30-minute group screening with the group leader prior to joining the group.
Facilitator: Andrea Regenberg, LCSW-C
Fridays, 9:00-10:30 a.m. on Zoom
This group provides support and connection for students who are in the final stages of completing their doctoral work, and in the process of writing a dissertation. In addition to support and encouragement participants will be able to learn from one another, as well as benefit from topical discussions around motivation, time and workload management, dealing with self-doubt and procrastination, perfectionism, working with faculty, and balancing your dissertation with other life responsibilities.
Facilitators: Emily Carper, MD and Bethan McGarry, LCSW-C
Fridays, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in-person at Homewood MHS, starting on 2/20
This group is for JHU undergraduate students living with chronic illness, chronic pain, or other ongoing health conditions. Managing a chronic illness in college can feel isolating, overwhelming, and hard to explain to others, and this group is designed to offer a supportive space to connect with peers who truly get it. Together, we’ll talk about the emotional, academic, and social impact of chronic illness, including topics like stress, identity changes, grief and loss, fatigue, navigating relationships, self-advocacy, accessibility, and balancing health with school demands. This 8-week group will meet weekly in-person in the Homewood Mental Health Services Suite beginning February 20th. Come weather the ups and downs together—you don’t have to do this alone.